In the United States age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness (visual acuity < 20/200) in elderly patients[1].
Non-modifiable risk factors for disease include genetic susceptibility, race, eye color, female gender, and age. Modifiable risk factors include cigarette smoking, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, chronic exposure to ultraviolet light, and nutritional status[2]. Prevention of disease has been focused on smoking cessation, maintenance of a healthy diet, and vitamin and mineral supplementation.